Mt. Fuji Transportation Guide: Best Routes from Tokyo via Train, Bus, and Car
Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, attracts countless tourists who visit Japan specifically to witness its majestic presence. However, given Mount Fuji's massive size and the numerous tourist attractions scattered around its vicinity, we've created this guide to help you explore the Mount Fuji area efficiently.
Additionally, Magical Trip, which won the #1 spot for all tours on Tripadvisor in 2024, has recently launched the Mount Fuji tours.
The "Mt. Fuji Full-day Nature Guided Tour with a Private Chartered Car & Guide" offers a stress-free experience exploring the Mount Fuji area, complete with private car transportation from Tokyo.
Even if you have limited time to explore the Mount Fuji region, this tour allows you to visit all the must-see spots with detailed guidance from your tour guide.
If you're interested in efficiently experiencing the essential locations while gaining deep insights from a knowledgeable local guide who knows the area inside and out, we highly recommend joining the "Mt. Fuji Full-day Nature Guided Tour with a Private Chartered Car & Guide."
We hope you'll have a wonderful time experiencing everything Mt.Fuji has to offer by joining a Magical Trip tour!
Introduction
Mt. Fuji is known as the highest mountain in Japan and stands as a symbol of the country. With an impressive height of 3,776 meters, it has been an object of faith for Japanese people since ancient times and has been depicted in numerous works of art.
The area surrounding Mt. Fuji features rich natural environments such as the Fuji Five Lakes and the Aokigahara Forest. Various shrines and cultural heritage sites are scattered throughout the region, making it a place where you can experience the history of Mt. Fuji worship.
Located approximately 100 km southwest of central Tokyo, Mt. Fuji can be accessed in about 2.5-3 hours using a car, bus, or train. In this Mt. Fuji Transportation Guide, we will introduce the optimal routes for comfortably visiting this iconic landmark.
There Are Three Main Ways to Access Mt. Fuji's 5th Station
There are primarily four climbing routes to Mt. Fuji, each with its own 5th station entrance. The "Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station" on the Yamanashi Prefecture side is the most frequently used and offers convenient access. On the Shizuoka Prefecture side, there are "Gotemba New 5th Station," "Subashiri 5th Station," and "Fujinomiya 5th Station."
The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station in particular is popular not only with climbers but also with tourists. It features shops and restaurants, and is known as a spectacular viewpoint where you can experience Mt. Fuji up close. Even those who do not climb can enjoy the wonderful scenery from here.
There are three methods to access the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station:
- Bus (※Direct buses from Tokyo to the 5th Station are available only during summer)
- Train + Bus (or Taxi)
- Car (Private vehicle or Taxi)
In the following sections, we will explain the specific transportation methods for each option in this comprehensive Mt. Fuji Transportation Guide.
Important Notice
The official climbing season for Mt. Fuji is from early July to early September.
Outside this period, especially in winter, the Fuji Subaru Line may be closed due to adverse weather conditions (snow, ice, etc.), so please check the latest information in advance.
How to Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station from Tokyo by Bus
During the climbing season in summer, direct buses operate from Tokyo to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
Outside the summer direct bus operation period, you will need to go to the nearest station to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station, such as Fujisan Station or Kawaguchiko Station, and then transfer to a local bus to access the 5th Station.
When heading to Mt. Fuji 5th Station from Tokyo, using the highway bus from "Shinjuku South Exit Transportation Terminal," commonly known as "Busta Shinjuku," is convenient. The highway buses are operated by Fujikyu Bus.
Tickets can be purchased at the Busta Shinjuku counter or reserved through the Fujikyu Bus website.
The following are the current travel times and fares. When planning your specific trip, we recommend checking the latest operation information on the Fujikyu Bus website. Prior confirmation is especially important during winter or when adverse weather is expected.
When using a direct bus (summer only):
- Route: Busta Shinjuku ~ Mt. Fuji 5th Station (Highway bus, direct)
- Travel time: About 2 hours 35 minutes
- Fare: From ¥3,800
When not using a direct bus:
- Route: Busta Shinjuku ~ (Highway bus) ~ Kawaguchiko Station (transfer) ~ (Local bus) ~ Mt. Fuji 5th Station
- Travel time: About 2 hours 55 minutes or more
- Fare: ¥3,980
How to Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station from Tokyo by Train
When going from Tokyo to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station by train, you will access it via Fujisan Station. There are two patterns: using an express train or using local trains.
The following are the current travel times and fares. When planning your specific trip, we recommend checking the latest operation information.
When using an express train:
- Route: Shinjuku Station ~ (JR Chuo Line Limited Express Fuji Excursion) ~ Fujisan Station ~ (Local bus) ~ Mt. Fuji 5th Station
- Travel time: About 3 hours 00 minutes
- Transfers: 1 time
- Fare: ¥5,780
When using local trains:
- Route: Shinjuku Station ~ (Keio Line) ~ Takao Station ~ (JR Chuo Line) ~ Otsuki Station ~ (Fujikyu Line) ~ Fujisan Station ~ (Local bus) ~ Mt. Fuji 5th Station
- Travel time: About 3 hours 40 minutes
- Transfers: 3 times
- Fare: ¥3,820
How to Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station from Tokyo by Car
The recommended route when using a rental car or other vehicle is as follows.
During the climbing season in summer, there may be private vehicle restrictions, so prior confirmation is necessary. If there are private vehicle restrictions, you will use a shuttle bus from the parking area before the restricted zone.
- Route: Metropolitan Expressway ~ Chuo Expressway Kawaguchiko IC ~ Fuji Subaru Line ~ Mt. Fuji 5th Station
- Travel time: About 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (depending on road conditions)
- Fare: Expressway tolls + Fuji Subaru Line toll (round-trip fee for regular cars: ¥2,100) + Gasoline costs
- Parking: Free parking available at the 5th Station (may be full during busy periods)
This Mt. Fuji Transportation Guide provides all the essential information to help tourists plan their journey to one of Japan's most iconic landmarks efficiently and comfortably.
Mt. Fuji Transportation Guide: Explaining the Merits, Demerits, and Recommendations for Each Transportation Method
Next, as part of our comprehensive Mt. Fuji Transportation Guide, we will explain the merits and demerits of each access method, as well as who would benefit most from each option.
Merits and Demerits of Using the Bus
Merits
- There are fewer complicated transfers, so even first-time visitors can travel with peace of mind.
- You can move easily even with large luggage.
- It's often cheaper than the train+bus combination, offering good cost performance.
- Advance reservations are possible, giving you the security of having a guaranteed seat.
Demerits
- The number of services is limited, especially during the off-season (autumn to spring) when there may be only a few services per day or some services may be suspended, making it possibly unavailable.
- During the summer climbing season, reservations may be fully booked weeks in advance, making it difficult to secure seats.
- There is a possibility of delays due to highway traffic congestion.
- You need to depart and arrive according to schedule, with no flexibility for side trips or detours.
Who Should Use the Bus
- Travel beginners who are anxious about train transfers
- Those who want to access Mt. Fuji's 5th Station as cheaply and simply as possible
- Those with a lot of luggage who want to minimize movement
Merits and Demerits of Using the Train
Merits
- On the Fujikyu Line, there are many spots where you can see Mt. Fuji from the train window, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
- You can create a flexible itinerary as it's possible to get off at intermediate stops like Lake Kawaguchiko for sightseeing.
- There are more frequent services than buses, offering more time options and making it easier to use.
Demerits
- There are at least two transfers, which can be troublesome.
- If you have large luggage, you might find it inconvenient with stairs at stations and crowded trains.
- The total cost of train+bus might be more expensive than just using the bus in some cases.
- If train connections are poor, waiting times may be long, potentially resulting in a longer journey.
Who Should Use the Train
- Those who want a free trip combined with sightseeing
- Those who want to leisurely tour areas other than Mt. Fuji
- Those who want to experience Japanese railway culture and local atmosphere
Merits and Demerits of Using a Car
Merits
- High degree of freedom, such as departing at any time and stopping at any place, with flexibility to accommodate sudden schedule changes.
- If used by multiple people, transportation costs can be cheaper, making it possible to reduce overall costs.
- It's comfortable as you can move without worrying about luggage.
- You can visit secluded areas and scenic spots that are difficult to access by public transportation.
- You can travel comfortably, such as not being affected by weather and being able to rest immediately when tired.
Demerits
- An international driver's license or a license valid for driving in Japan is required.
- There are mountain roads along the way, so those who lack confidence in driving might feel anxious.
- During the summer climbing season (mid-July to early September), the Fuji Subaru Line may have periods when private vehicles are not allowed. In that case, you need to transfer to a shuttle bus partway.
Who Should Use a Car
- Those on group or family trips
- Those who enjoy road trips visiting nature and tourist attractions
- Those who want to freely arrange their time and schedule
- Those planning to move with large luggage
In this way, the Mt. Fuji Transportation Guide shows that with a car, you can visit tourist spots freely without stress. On the other hand, if you use a rental car, there is the hassle of procedures. Also, you need to research the spots to visit by car and plan your driving route.
For stress-free touring of Mt. Fuji and surrounding sightseeing spots, a private tour with pick-up from Tokyo is recommended
When visiting Mt. Fuji, wouldn't your trip be more fulfilling if you could also visit photogenic spots around the mountain, such as scenic viewpoints where you can see both Mt. Fuji and traditional Japanese five-story pagodas, or shrines lined with thousand-year-old trees?
This tour allows you to efficiently enjoy Mt. Fuji and carefully selected must-visit spots scattered around it in just one day with a car and dedicated driver. According to our **Mt. Fuji Transportation Guide**, the basic route includes the Mt. Fuji 5th Station and visits to historical shrines and sacred waterfalls in the surrounding area, but your guide will suggest the optimal plan depending on the weather conditions on the day.
During summer, private cars are restricted from accessing the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, so instead, you'll visit Kawaguchiko Asama Shrine, which is popular for its "heavenly torii gate" view with Mt. Fuji in the background. You can enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind all day.
The tour includes a Japanese lunch made with local ingredients and Mt. Fuji spring water, as well as coffee, so you won't have to worry about finding places to eat while moving between sightseeing spots.
The tour fee is all-inclusive, covering the vehicle, driver, guide, highway tolls, lunch, and up to two drinks. There are no additional charges unless you extend the private vehicle rental or add extra food and drinks.
At the end of the day, sake, wine, coffee, or matcha tastings are also provided, so you can relax as you return to Tokyo.
You won't have to worry about carrying large luggage or navigating complicated train and bus transfers. Whether you're alone or with family and friends, enjoy Mt. Fuji to the fullest while relaxing in a private vehicle.
3 Perfect Bases for Accommodation and Sightseeing Around Mt. Fuji
The Mt. Fuji Transportation Guide recommends the following three locations as bases for touring Mt. Fuji:
For those using railways, the area around Fujisan Station is recommended. It offers good access to Mt. Fuji 5th Station and has numerous restaurants and accommodation facilities in the vicinity.
The Lake Kawaguchi area is recommended for both car users and those using buses or trains. Buses depart from Kawaguchiko Station to various destinations, making it a convenient location for transportation.
Lake Kawaguchi is popular as a spot where you can view Mt. Fuji across the lake, and it has plenty of restaurants and accommodation facilities.
For those traveling by car, the Gotemba area, which is a transportation hub where the Tomei Expressway and Gotemba Line pass through, is recommended. The Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall is also there, allowing you to enjoy shopping. There are various accommodation facilities from resort hotels to traditional Japanese inns.
Fujisan Station Area
Fujisan Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line is located on the north side of Mt. Fuji and is a convenient base for accessing the 5th Station. The area around the station has restaurants and souvenir shops, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.
Recommended points:
- Optimal base for railway users. It's a major station on the Fujikyu Railway Line with good access from the Tokyo direction.
- Rich in tourist attractions nearby, such as Fuji-Q Highland and Arakurayama Sengen Park.
- Various accommodation facilities from business hotels to traditional inns are available and plentiful.
Lake Kawaguchi Area
Lake Kawaguchi is located at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji and is a scenic spot where you can see Mt. Fuji across the lake. Tourist facilities and restaurants are gathered here, making it a popular base for sightseeing.
Recommended points:
- Convenient base for bus and train users. Buses depart and arrive from Kawaguchiko Station to various directions, providing good accessibility.
- Many tourist attractions around the lake, such as Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Boats and the Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway.
- Various accommodation facilities from resort hotels to traditional inns are available.
Gotemba
Gotemba is located to the southeast of Mt. Fuji and is a transportation hub where the Tomei Expressway and Gotemba Line pass through. It also has good access to Mt. Fuji 5th Station and is especially recommended for car users.
Recommended points:
- Optimal area for car users. Good access from the Tomei Expressway Gotemba IC with plenty of parking available.
- The Gotemba Premium Outlets are there, allowing you to enjoy both sightseeing and shopping.
- Various accommodation facilities from resort hotels to business hotels are available.